Data Visualization Best Practices from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Visualization Fundamentals

Visualization is a crucial skill for data analysts across all disciplines. Viewing data graphically often provides greater intuition than by using statistics or mathematics alone. In this module, we’ll explore the fundamentals of visualization and discuss how visualizations can achieve better insight into data as well as effectively communicate results and conclusions.

Design Principles for Effective Visualizations

To create effective visuals, analysts must understand and be able to explain why specific graphical elements must be included, eliminated, or modified. In this module, we’ll investigate why certain questions are best answered by specific visual cue patterns, discuss which psychological perception theories should be considered during the construction of data visualizations, and cover the universal framework for representing visual data, the grammar of graphics.

Univariate Visualization Methods

Univariate visualization methods apply the grammar of graphics to the representation of a dataset’s fundamental properties and structures in terms of single variable mappings to visual encodings. In this module, we’ll explore specifics for how to view the data and what to visualize and discuss what mapping of data is best suited for highlighting and extracting insights from the data.

Standard Univariate Visualizations

Instead of reinventing the wheel with every visualization, analysts use several common chart types so there is no ambiguity about the decoding and interpretation of the data. In this module, we'll explore some standard tools and techniques that are used to prepare a fully crafted set of visualizations for the purpose of storytelling. Before completing this module, you will use Tableau to conduct a univariate analysis to sample data, compare dimensions vs. measures, and practice linking visualizations.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational skills that are highly relevant to roles in data science and general business analysis

Teaches visual data storytelling that is used in all industries that collect and analyze data

Instructors have extensive experience in using visualization science to solve real-world problems

Primarily uses Tableau software, which is a top choice for data visualization in industry and academia

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data Visualization Best Practices with these activities:

Connect with Tableau Experts

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Provides access to experienced Tableau professionals who can offer guidance, support, and insights, accelerating your learning journey.

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Join online Tableau communities or forums
Attend local Tableau user group meetings
Reach out to Tableau experts via social media or email

Read 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward Tufte

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Exposes you to fundamental principles of data visualization from a renowned expert, enhancing your understanding of effective visual communication.

View Beautiful Evidence on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Analyze the examples and case studies provided
Apply the principles to your own visualization projects

Review Basic Statistical Concepts

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Ensures you have a solid foundation in statistical concepts, enabling you to better comprehend the data you're visualizing.

Browse courses on Basic Statistics

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Revisit concepts of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
Review measures of dispersion (range, standard deviation, variance)
Recall basic probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson)

One other activity

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Design a Tableau Visualization for a Real-World Problem

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Empowers you to apply your visualization skills to solve real-world problems, showcasing your ability to communicate insights effectively.

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Identify a real-world problem or dataset
Clean and prepare the data
Design and create a Tableau visualization
Write a brief report explaining your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Data Visualization Best Practices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Visualization Analyst

Data Visualization Analysts create visual representations of data to help businesses understand and communicate complex information. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Visualization Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to identify trends and patterns that can help businesses make better decisions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Business Intelligence Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve business problems and make informed decisions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to effectively communicate data-driven insights to stakeholders.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Marketing Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Sales Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve complex problems and develop new products and services. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Scientist by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products and services. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Product Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts use data to understand consumer behavior and trends. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Market Research Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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User Experience (UX) Researcher

User Experience (UX) Researchers study how users interact with products and services. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a User Experience (UX) Researcher by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use data to develop and implement trading strategies. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Quantitative Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Statistician

Statisticians use data to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Statistician by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to evaluate investments and make recommendations to clients. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Financial Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts use data to identify and assess risks to businesses. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Risk Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Operations Research Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods. This course can help you learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights to stakeholders.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Data Engineer by providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of visualization, design principles, and univariate visualization methods.

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